Walking around Seattle's Pike Place Market seems like it would be Harry-Potterish enough (did you see our last post?). The art, statues, vendors, musicians, magicians, & flying fish spark your imagination…but World Spice Merchants definitely seals the deal.

The shop is on the street that runs behind the market. It's also just up the street from the great Spanish & French groceries (you should check them out while you're there). Browsing this spice shop, whether you buy something or not, feels like visiting 3 continents in 20 minutes. Did I say feels? I meant smells - no wait, I guess it's both. There's something about this place that makes you feel like you're traveling. A lot of the spices, teas, & herbs come pre-packaged, some in nice little gift combos. The rest? Just grab a mini-clipboard with paper & pencil and start sniffing. Write down how many ounces you need, turn it in to the helpful dudes behind the counter, and they'll grind your order right up.